Sports Club wins Barclay Award

The Disability Inclusive Sports Club (DISC) based in Towcester has been named as the Barclays Community Sports Award winner for February by Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League's Creating Chances programme and the Football Foundation.

The club started in 2008 after South Northamptonshire Council funded a monthly taster session of sports, specifically aimed at young people with disabilities and their families. Due to the success of this event a permanent club was founded after the council reached out for willing volunteers in the community to run and staff it. In recent years, the club has managed to reach 65 registered members.

Due to members being unable to participate in mainstream sporting activities, DISC offers inclusive sporting opportunities to all. The club provides regular sessions that aim to promote self-confidence through social inclusion and an appreciation of sport as an enjoyable way for those with disabilities to spend their time. A number of qualified coaches provide expert coaching sessions in swimming, badminton, yoga and martial arts amongst other sports.

The award is judged by a panel which includes former England footballer and Gareth Southgate, who commented: "The Disability Inclusive Sports Club have been doing a fantastic job at promoting a healthy lifestyle to young people that often don't have the chance to partake in sporting activities. The fact that they now have over 60 members is a sign of the superb work that DISC is doing for the community."

Lynette Emary, the Club Chair commented: "We're absolutely over the moon to receive this award from Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League's Creating Chances programme and the Football Foundation. The work that DISC does is invaluable to the local disabled community and the money will allow us to to increase the range of activities we offer to our members, increase our membership and hopefully branch into specific sport training groups".

Each monthly winner receives £1,000 for their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and will be entered into the end of season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces for Sports. The end of season award winner will also receive a VIP trip to London to receive their award from Gareth Southgate.

To nominate a person, group or organisation for the Barclays Community Sports Award simply visit www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com